Tape distribution system



L. M. POTTS TAPE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Sept. 4, 1945.

Filed July 20, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept 4, 1945- l. M. PoTTs TAPEDISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Filed July 20, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 4, 1945.L. M. PoT'rs TAPE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Filed July 20, 1942 4 Sheets-SheetZ5 y." 7, 2221/627202" azz z5 M @0175 Sept. 4, 1945. M- P01-T5 2,384,194

TAPE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM 4 Sheets-Sheat 4 Filed July 20, 1942 PatentedSept. 4, 1945 TAPE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Louis M. Potts, Evanston, Ill.,

type Corporation, Chicago, Ill.,

of Delaware assignor to Telea corporation Application July 20. 1942,Serial No. 451,516

(Cl. 1TB-17) 20 Claims.

The present invention relates to message handling apparatus and moreparticularly to a system of devices for packaging and distributingperforated or otherwise prepared control forms.

In its fundamental conception, the present invention contemplatesapparatus at a central of tice exchange comprising a plurality ofcontrol form preparing machines each responsive to incoming line signalsfor preparing on storage forms messages usually of predetermined maximumlengths. Included thereon in addition to the message matter may be suchother and collateral information as the address of a destinationstation, the address of the transmitting station, the time of day whenthe message was received, etc. The messages ai'ter being printed and/orperiorated upon lengths of tape, are wound into coils within cylindricalcontainers and in a reverse order to that in which the message wasreceived so that the start of the message is left outermost of thecontainer. Following this, pluralities of said containers, each having acharge consisting of a message from a predetermined one of saidplurality of perforatlng machines, are placed into a selective hopperdevice, transferred to predetermined compartments in a conveyor beltdepending upon the station of destination, and thereafter dischargedfrom the conveyor belt into a routing hopper from which the containersare directed to individual transmitting apparatus whence the messagesare retransmitted to their ultimate destination station.

Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is theprovision of automatic tape or control form coiling and routingapparatus for distributing message bearing forms from any one of aplurality of various receiving and tape preparing stations to any one oia plurality of various tape transmitting stations where the storedmessages are retransmitted over a line to a destination receivingapparatus.

Among the various features of the mechanisms embodying the presentinvention, there is provided with each one of a plurality of tapeperforating machines a device which contains a supply of empty spoolsand directs them individual- 1y into position to receive a tape as saidtape emerges from the preparing machine. The prepared tape or controlform is first permitted to accumulate outside the winding machine untilthere is attained the end of a. message, whereupon by specialsupervisory signal the winding apparatus is initiated into operation andseizing the tail end of the control form first, it proceeds to wind themessage within an awaiting container.

When the message bearing tape is fully coiled and positioned within thecontainer, the mechanism acts further to retract the leading end of theform and to dispose it in position Vso as to display for readyobservation the collateral information contained on the message; viz.,the address, time, etc. Following this, the Winding arbor is withdrawn.the charged spool or container is released from the ceiling machine anddeposited into a proper division ofv a distribution apparatus, and asucceeding empty container is advanced into position in the ceilingmachine to receive the next message.

In the supervision of the routing and distributing apparatus, acontrolled circuit has been provided in which a bank of control switchesis associated with each tape preparing station and similarly a. bank ofcontrol relays provided at each discharge hopper. The supervisorycontrol circuit is timed to complete its control supervision for eachparticular conveyor belt compartment in timed relation with the progresso said particular compartment, so that when the conveyor belt is broughtinto position opposite the discharge hopper associated with thedestination transmitter to which its message hap'- pens to be routed,there will be effected a discharge of its contents into the rightchannel for achieving the ultimate object of retransmitting the messaget0 its. addressee.

Collateral features of the present invention, for example, such aspertain to the container devices, include the provision of certain wardor barrier markings and keying indicia to prevent the improper insertionor positioning of the spool into the hoppers associated with windingmachines or those associated with the transmitters. The spools orcontainers are directed automatically during distribution until theyreach their ultimate goal; namely, the signal retransmission apparatus.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the present invention,reference may be had to the accompanying drawings and to the followingdetailed specification wherein like reference characters designatecorresponding parts throughout and wherein,

Fig. l is a plan view of a control form winding and loading apparatusassociated with a tape perforating machine which is shown in fragmentarydetail;

Fig. 2 is a side view partially in section of the apparatus featured inFig. l;

Fig. 3 is a sectional detail view from the same viewpoint as Fig. 2 butfeaturing the power distributing and control mechanism of the apparatusshown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the conveyor beltapparatus including exemplary loading and discharge station apparatus:

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail view of a message container magazine:

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken approximately on line 6 6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 'l is an enlarged sectional View taken approximately on line 'I-lof Fig. 8;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary side elevation with parts broken away featuringthe mechanism illustrated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a timing diagram illustrating the relative effective periodsof operation of various parts of the control form ceiling and containerloading machine:

Fig. 10 is a detailed illustration of a portion of the apparatusobscured by the foreground portions of Fig. 2;

Fig. 11 is a detailed perspective view of one of the message containersor spools without its charge of control form:

Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional view through one of the tape coilcontainers such as that featured in Fig. 1l including the winding arborapplied thereinto as during the process of form winding;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view similar to Fig. l2

featuring the position of the coiled form within the spool after thewinding shaft has been withdrawn;

Fig. i4 is a side elevation of a spool or container such as thatfeatured in Fig. ll illustrating the relative positions of the aligninggrooves which are located on the outer surfaces of the spool discs;

Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic detail illustration of a modified tapepreperforating mechanism such as may be employed in conjunction with thepresent invention for the purpose of rapidly perforating feed holesduring tape feed-out control;

Fig. 16 is a detail view of a portion of a control form perforated inaccordance with the practice taught in U. S. Patent No. 2,255,794,granted Sept. 16, 1941;

Fig. 17 is a simplified circuit diagram of the principal electricalelements illustrated in connection with the foregoing preferredembodiment, and

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the cutoff and punch unit.

Referring more particularly now to the drawings, attention is directedto the reference characters il and l2, Fig. 4, which denote the pivotalaxes oi' a pair of conveyor supporting wheels il and il over and aroundwhich there travels an endless conveyor belt generally indicated I5.Effectively, conveyor roller il may be an idler upon shaft H butconveyor roller I4 is preferably power driven on or by shaft I2 whichcarries a driving gear IB for imparting rotation to a distributor brusharm I1 in timed relation to the progress made by the conveyor belt i5. Adefinite relationship is maintained between distributor brush il and theconveyor belt l5 in any suitable manner as by providing engagement notchand lug attributes between the belt and the roller Il which in turn isgeared to the shaft I2. These attributes will, of necessity, fit oneinto the other and thereby exclude the possibility of slippage.

The reference character IB denotes one of a plurality of spool carryingmagazines and comprises a definite number of composite chutes i9 eachone of which is adapted to receive spools destined for a predeterminedtransmitting station as will later be explained.

In accordance with a simplified practice of the present invention thespools may be placed into the chute I9 manually by distribution clerkswho, by reading the destination address on the outer ends of themessages as they are exposed in accordance with the construction of thespools, will determine into which one of the chutes I9 of any particularmagazine I8 the spools are to be placed. The release of the spools fromtheir respective chutes i9 is controlled by an automatic supervisorycircuit which forms the subject matter of another application. As eachspool is discharged into a particular conveyor belt chamber, whichincludes the space between two consecutive partitioning walls 2i, Fig.8, it may be carried in the direction of the conveyor belt as indicatedby the arrow 22, until the particular chamber becomes aligned with oneof the discharge hoppers 23 which, as a destination, is particularlyrelated to one of the chutes i3.

Referring now to Figs. l1 to 14, particular attention will be given tothe details of construction of the message containing spools. Each spoolis composed of two circular discs indicated 2l and 25, the former ofwhich is preferably somewhat thicker than the latter although otherwiseof the same conguration and both provided with a concentric opening 26.At four equally spaced points near the periphery of the side walls 24and 25 the two discs are joined together by transverse studs 21 whichmay be suitably anchored into the sides as by riveting.

0f the two discs which comprise each spool, the thicker one 24, foremostin Fig. 11, is provided on its outermost surface with a comparativelyshallow groove 23, flared and widened at one end but comparativelynarrow at the other end as may be easily observed from thisillustration. The opposite side wall 25 is also provided on itsoutermost surface with a shallow groove 29 which groove is generallysimilar in shape and proportion to the groove 28 of disc 2l, but differstherefrom in one respect; namely, that it is angularly displacedtherefrom as may be best seen from the side elevational view, Fig. 14.

The variation in thickness between the sides 24 and 25 and the provisionof the shallow grooves 28 and 29 are means for assuring that the spoolsare inserted properly into the message ceiling and loading as well asthe transmitting machines. as will be more fully described later.

Integrally associated with each disc 24 and 25 are two longer arcuateribs 3| and 32 and one short rib 33. These elements project but a ysmall distance above the inner surfaces of the discs and are forconfining the roll of tape in the manner shown in Fig. 13 after it hasbeen released from the winding spindle or mandrel shown in Fig. 12.Thus, while the expanded coil of Fig. 13, where the Winding mandrel orarbor is shown withdrawn, is almost completely embraced by thesymmetrical and opposite shallow rib elements 3|, 32, and 33, thesurface of the outermost convolution of the tape coil is almost entirelyvisible to an observer who is handling the container. The containers,Fig. 11, as-

sume a stationary condition in the winding machine, Fig. 1, during theprocess when a message tape is inserted and coiled. They function toshelter and confine the messages during transit from the perforatorapparatus to the transmitter.

Observing now Figs. 1, 2, and 3, it will be noted that each tape coilingunit comprises an upright magazine tube 24 shaped of rectangularcross-section to closely define the outline of each spool. as may beseen in Fig. 1. In order to pass the spool in a certain relativeposition, this magazine 34 is provided with a ward or barrier block ofsuch width and so disposed with respect to the magazine tube 34 as toassure that the thicker disc 24 will invariably be inserted lowermost,as viewed in Fig. 1, and the thinner 25 correspondingly uppermosttherein. In addition to these, there is also provided a projecting rib36 which. when inserted anywhere within the flare of shallow groove 20,will direct said disc 26 by camming the latter rotationally in onedirection or the other when said projection 36 engages the side edges ofsaid groove 2! until the position shown in Fig. 14 is attained.

Near the lowermost extremity of magazine tube 34 there is intermittentlypresentable the winding mandrel or arbor 31 which consists essentiallyof a split shaft whose transverse slot is flared as at 30 so as to giveready admittance to the end of the perforated tape 3l as it emergesfromthe printing and/or perforating unit 4|.

The perforating unit 4| shown in Figs. 1 and 2 may be a device such asthat disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 2,255,794, granted September 16,1941, or Bulletin No. 165, issued in March, 1941, by the TeletypeCorporation, Chicago, Illinois, and copyrighted May 3, 1941. In thistype of apparatus wherein the message is cut into the tape as shown inFig. 16, and in addition is printed on the surface of the tape, a feed'sprocket 42 which is rotated counterclockwise in a step-by-step manner,Fig. 2, by means of a pawi 200 engaging a ratchet 20| and operating in amanner well known in the art, causes said tape I! to be fed leftwardlytraversing first the location of a tape severing blade 43, then anend-ofmessage perforating punch 44. the longitudinal slot 45 of windingarbor 31, and nally the pair of feed rollers 46 and 41 continuing overthe dis charge platform 40.

As the tape emerges from the form preparing unit 4|, its course isuninterrupted through the several above-described elements and as itoverruns the extremity of supporting table 40, it is permitted toaccumulate in any suitable manner until the end of the message isattained. During all of this time, the coiling mechanism has no functionto perform and is disposed in the position illustrated in Fig. 2 so asto permit the tape 39 to continue along its course uninterruptediy. Whena message is completely perforated by the unit 4|, there is prepared anenergizing circuit for releasing for operation the tape coil windingapparatus. This is obtained when a start impulse is communicated to thewinding of magnet 40, Fig. 3, the energizing circuit of which is in Fig.17 and which may be completed upon the closure of a contact pair 202under the control of one of the perforator pull bars specially assignedto the function of an end-of-message designating signal. Whether thissignal be an independent lower-case control signal or whether it be aspecial signal requiring an upper-case shift as a prerequisite, thesupervision may be obtained by a contact mechanism such as thatdisclosed in Fig. 8 of U. S. Patent No. 2,018,368 issued October 22,1935.

As a result of the energization of magnet 4s, its armature 5| isattracted rotating clockwise about its pivot 62 and withdrawing its stopend from blocking engagement with clutch shoulder I3, Fig. l, permittingthe driven portion of clutch assembly 54 to come into engagement withthe driving member thereof under impetus of clutch spring 55. As aresult, clockwise (Figs. 2 and 3) rotation is imparted to cam shaft 5Bon account of driven gear 61 which is constantly rotated in thisdirection by the driving worm wheel 56 of a power distributing shaft 60which, in turn, is rotated by a suitable source of power (not shown).Another driving worm 6|, also carried upon powershaft i! and meshingwith a driven worm wheel 82 will be noted, on account of the angle ofits driving teeth, to be able to impart faster rotation to its drivenwheel 62 than the speed at which driving worm 58 drives its wheel 51.

Driven wheel B2 is itself a means for communieating rotation to theshaft 66 which carries the winding mandrel 31 as may be noted in Fig. 3,so that the rotation of the latter member is counterclockwise as viewedin this illustration in contradistinction from the direction of rotationof shaft 56. Wheel 62 meshes with and accordingly imparts rotation to adriven wheel 63, see also Fig. 1, which is supported between a pair offriction discs 64 forming part of a slip clutch assembly generallyindicated 65. The shaft which drives mandrel 31 has been indicated liliand its journals 61 and 68.

As a consequence of the release of shaft 5B to rotation, one of its cams69 which forms a part of an assembly of cams noticeable in theforeground in Fig. 1, presents its brief apex portion to the followerprojection 1I, Fig. 2, of a bell crank lever 12 pivoted with two otherbell crank levers upon the supporting journal projections generallyindicated 13 and 14. The opposite arm of bell crank l2 is pivoted at 15to a push bar 1B which moves Iightwardly inpartlng corresponding similarmotion to dislodge a detent arm 11 whose roller 18 normally serves tocenter a star wheel 19 between teeth and through it to position the tapefeed sprocket 42, accurately during its step-by-step progress. The pushbar 16 has a pin 203 integral therewith which engages the lower end ofthe pawl 200 upon any rightward movement of the lever, resulting in thepawl 200 being moved in a counterclockwise direction against the tensionof its biasingspring 20| thereby releasing the pawl from engagement withthe ratchet 20|.

This operation relieves the sprocket shaft 42 from any restraint b thedetent lever 11 and the pawl 200 so that t` ereafter when the tape I! ispulled leftwardly, as viewed in Fig. 2, no substantial resistancewilllbe encountered. The ef fective period of cam 69 during a completecycle of operation is indicated by the brief rise of curve 68, asillustrated in Fig. 9. At about the same time that cam B9 becomeseffective, its adjacent cam 0| whose curve in Fig. 9 is also indicated0I, withdraws its comparatively long apex from beneath the followerprojection 02 of a bell crank B3 permitting pressure roller 46 which ispivotally supported upon the other arm of said bell crank 03 to respondto the urge of its tensioning spring and move toward the driving roller41 binding between them the tape 39 which, during the operation of theperforator unit 4| and thereafter until the sending of theend-of-message signal, had been moving leftwardly beyond the table 48and gathering in a suitable receptacle as stated above.

Secured to shaft 56 is a large driving gear 84 whose periphery on bothsides of an intermediate mutilated section indicated 86 is studded withquantities of teeth to be engaged separately by the driven gear 91integral with the driving roller 41. As one of the groups of drivingteeth 88 of gear wheel B4 engages the driven pinion 81, it rotates feedroll 41 which is now in engagement with the pressure roller 46,advancing the tape 33 leftwardly a distance corresponding to or slightlygreater than that between the perforating punches of the telegraphperforator 4| and the cutoff knife 43 This, it will be understood,leaves a certain amount of blank tape following the perforated area atthe end of the message just as has been done at the beginning.

When the afore-described brief feeding of the tape 39 has beencompleted, another one of the cams designated 89, Figs. l and 2, on thecam shaft 56 encounters with its short apex a follower projection 9| oflever 92 causing it to be rocked counterclockwise about its pivot 93whereupon its extremity 94 engages one arm 95 of a punch and cutoffknife operating bail 96. The latter member is pivotally supported onshaft 910 and in thus moving it brings the uppermost edge of shearingblade 43 into engagement with a. cooperating edge of a plate 91 at thesame time that its arm 95 engages the lowermost extremity of punch 44forcing the latter member through a die opening in plate 91 andaccordingly making a special index perforation in the tape to denote theend of a message.

As with the case o1" the first-described cams, Fig. 9 shows theperiodicity and duration curves 04 and 89 denoting the effective periodsof gear wheel 94 and that of the cutoff knife operating cam 99 indicated`by identical reference characters. Cutoff blade 43 may be shaped as anend plate with the cutoff edge constituting one of the edges of aninternal slot in the blade or plate so that following each cutoffoperation, the portion of tape 39 extending from the perforator unit 4|will be guided into the slot by reason of the apertured cutoff bladedesign. Shortly following their operation, knife 43 and punch pin 44 arereturned to the normal position, whereupon the group of teeth 98 ofmutilated gear wheel 84 come into engagement with those of driven pinion81 causing the driving roller 41 to resume its counterclockwise rotationand feeding the tape 39 again in the forward direction until the cutoffend of the tape stops substantially within the slot 45 of winding arbor3T.

This condition obtains shortly after the 120 position of curve 84, Fig.9. After the lapse of a brief interval, the apex 99 of a cam 10|encounters the projection |02 of a clutch stop lever |03 pivoted at |04,rocking the latter member in a counterclockwise direction about itspivot so as to withdrawI its holding tooth |06 from engagement with theperiphery of a serrated disc |06 which is integrally associated with thedriven portion of friction clutch 65.

Since tooth is the sole element for holding driven member of clutch 65from rotating under the impetus of its driving gear E3. the effect ofcam IUI will accordingly, be to release shaft 66 for rotation. Thedirection of rotation as has been said is clockwise, Fig. 3, causing thewinding of the tape as indicated in this illustration beginning with theend-of-message end of the tape innermost. About the same time that themandrei or arbor 31 through its integral association with shaft 86enters upon clockwise rotation, the tensioning roller 46 is againretracted from engagement with pulling roller 41 when a brief apex ofcam 9| reengages the follower extremity 82 of bail 93. As this occurs,the projection 53 of driven portion of clutch 54, encounters theextremity of an armature |01 pivoted at |00. 'I'his brings shaft 56 torest as the winding arbor 31 continues rotating in a clockwise directionand winding the cutoff portion of the tape 39 about itself after themanner illustrated in Fig. l2.

Shortly before the cam shaft 56 is brought to rest by reason of theengagement of driven portion of clutch 54 with the armature |01, anotherone of its cams |09 which is shaped with a continuous apex and but abrief depression in its periphery, assumes a position whereat itpresents said depression to the extremity of a follower arm which formspart of a bell crank ||2 also pivoted upon the supporting journals 13and 14. As a result, bell crank |12 ispermitted to rotate clockwiseunder the influence of a mild tension spring (not shown) so that itsother arm ||3 will bear upon the upper surface of tape 39 in search ofthe foremost end of the tape when it arrives as the mandrel completesthe winding of the entire length of tape about itself.

As best seen in Fig. 1 `the extremity ||3 of the bell crank |I2 overiiesa notched portion ||4 in the supporting table 40 of such width as not toyield to the tension of said arm I|3 unless the intermediately travelingtape 39 becomes exhausted as when it is fully wound about the mandrel31.

Under the circumstance of tape winding completion, when arm 3 drops intothe slot ||4 and bell crank ||2 is permitted to rock clockwise about itspivot 14, tension is relieved from the contact spring H5 whereatinsulator |||i rests upon arm ||3. As a result said contacter comes intoengagement with contact point ||1 and a local circuit is completed forenergizing magnet H8. This attracts armature |01 withdrawing itsblocking extremity from the lug 53 of separable clutch 54 and shaft 56is thereby permitted to resume rotation. 'I'he action of the sensing n-`ger ||3 is represented by its similarly indicated curve ||3 in Fig. 9at which time the clutch throwout ||9 also becomes effective, and as maybe observed from curve 8| the brief apex 99 of cam |0I passes beyond thesensing projection |02 and the friction clutch stop lever |03immediately arrests shaft 66 against further rotation.

After a brief interval, sensing arm II3, which is under the jointcontrol of the tape 39 as well as of the supervisory cam |09 on shaft58, is restored to its original position as indicated in Fig. 3 byreason of the depression in cam |09 passing beyond the extremity of itsfeeler projection When this occurs, the contacter ||5||1 is again openedand the energizing circuit for magnet ||8 broken.

On shaft 56 is carried a cam I|9 within whose peripheral cam groovethere resides a follower roller carried intermediate the mandrelretraction lever |2I, the latter element being pivotally anchored at |22and having a pin at its remote end |23 which is confined in an annulargroove |24 of the winding mandrel 31. Cam H9 whose function is.accordingly, the retraction of Winding mandrel 31 occupies an eiTectivecycle of opera.- tion as indicated by its curve H9 in Fig. 9. During theelevated portion of this curve, mandrel 31 is retracted and does notextend into the spool .then in form receiving position, and by reason ofits being suitably splined on shaft 58, mandrel 31 is capable of freelongitudinal movement thereon without radial displacement of said shaft.

It is to be understood that as the winding mandrel 31 is extracted fromthe container, it is also withdrawn from engagement with the innermostend of the tape coil 39 and that when this occurs the winding tension isrelieved from the coil of tape which thereupon seeks to assume a maximumdiameter condition such as illustrated in Fig. 13. Also, it is to benoted that since the control of winding is through the end of tapesensing arm ||3 which is disposed in a definite relationship withrespect to the spool or container, the amount of tape extending outsideof the confines established by the arcuate guards 3|, 32, and 33 such asrepresented in Fig. 13 by the reference numeral |25, will, in all cases,be the same or nearly the same amount. 'Thus is had a manner of assuringthat the `address or any other infomation contained upon the foremostend |25 of the tape will be exposed to easy observation and will assumea definite relationship with respect to the fixed characteristics of thespool, namely, the groove 28, so that for purposes of reinsertion intoa, transmitting machine, as will be disclosed in' a copendingapplication, the position established by reason of the shape of thespool will, at the same time, assure a definite relationship between theextending end |25 of the tape and the retransmission apparatus.

As a result of the further rotation of cam shaft 55, a secondary andlonger apex of cam carried on said shaft engages follower projection |02for the second time, rocking lever |03 counterclockwise and withdrawingstop tooth from engagement with the teeth of serrated disc |05. Whilethis is going on, another cam |25 whose continuous apex had beensupporting lever |21 in a counterclockwise position by engaging itsfoilower projection i28, now achieves a condition whereat its apexoverruns the point of engagement with follower projection |28, leavinglever |21 without support and permitting a spring (not shown) of thelatter member to rotate it clockwise about pivot |04 until its extremity|29 is brought into the path of stop tooth |3I, whereupon shaft 88 isagain brought to rest but this time at a definite angular positiondetermined by said engagement between extremity |23 and stop tooth |3|.The effective instants of cam |23 are indicated on curve chart, Fig. 9,by the variations of curve |26. As a result of this stopping of shaft 58in the manner just described, the slot 45 in its associated windingarbor 31 is positioned horizontally as indicated in Fig. 2, and theapparatus is again in condition to receive a leading end of theperforated tape 39 as it emerges from the printing and/or perforatingmachine 4|.

Meanwhile shaft 58 continues to rotate until its cam |||I againwithdraws its apex from the follower |02 permitting said follower lever|03 to resume its position as explained above with stop hook |05engaging one of the teeth in the disc |00. Shortly following thisoccurrence, cam |25 again presents its apex to the follower |28withdrawing the extremity |29 from blocking the stop shoulder however,shaft `6E does not move because it is held arrested by the stop tooth|05 of lever |03.

With the apparatus arrested in this condition, the control remains undershaft 58 and the apparatus is in readiness for a succeeding messagecoiling and spool loading operation. As shaft 50 proceeds during itsfinal portion of rotation in completing a cycle, another one oi' itscams indicated |32 encounters with its comparatively brief apex thefollower projection |33 of a first class lever pivoted at |34. Itsopposite extremity |35, engages one arm |38 of a bell crank assemblypivoted on a shaft |31. In consequence, the assembly is rotatedclockwise about its pivot |31 carrying its major arm |38 rightward andas a result moving a pin |39 integral with the extremity of said arm |35rightwardly within an arcuate cutaway portion of the magazine housing34, Fig. 2. Pin |39 is in direct alignment with the spool centering web38, Fig. 1, and accordingly, it assumes a position within the narrowneck of the alignment guiding groove 29 of each spool. When the spool isdisposed in the position indicated in Fig. 2, its principal support isafforded by a stop pin |4| carried in the lowermost extremity of a triplever |42; however, pin |39 assists in maintaining the proper verticalalignment of each spool or container in position for loading during thenormal condition of bell crank assembly |38|33..

When this assembly is rocked clockwise by cam |32 as afore-descrlbed,however, pin |39 causes the particular spool to be rotated clockwise asviewed in this illustration and since, due to the withdrawal of thewinding arbor 31. the tape contained within the spool has been permittedto expand to the position shown in Fig. 13 and thus bind against theconfinement segments 3|, 32. and 33, the afore-described clockwiserotation of the spool pulls the trailing end |25 from between thepressure rollers 46 and 41 which were previously drawn apart by theaction of cam 8|, permitting said end |25 to trail loosely beyond theshort supporting lug 33 after the manner shown in Fig. 13.

At about the time that projection |39 ls assuming a position such asthat indicated in dotted outline in Fig. 2 and before it has becomedisassoclated from the surface groove of the spool, a cam |43, Fig. 1,engages the follower extremity of lever |42 rocking the latter memberabout its pivot |44 in a clockwise direction and withdrawing the stoppin |4| from support of the nethermost spool. This spool is now free tofall from the magazine 34 as an apex of cam |45, Fig. 1, engages the tip|45 of a slidable member |41, shifting the latter rightwardly as viewedin Fig. 2, and dislodging a stop pin |45 integrally assoelated therewithfrom the path of a next succeeding spool which thereupon drops into theposition occupied by the recently expelled winding spool, the apex ofcam |45 passing on beyond the projection |48 and permitting the slidebar |41 in response to a spring (not shown) to resume its normalposition which ls that illustrated in Fig. 2.

Thereafter, cam |45 encounters with its apex another lever indicated |49which is pivoted at I5| and as in the case oi' lever |42 has a followerprojection |52, and at its remote end a blocking pin |33. The shiftingof pin |53 leftwardly, as viewed inFig. 2, causes a next succeedingwinding spool thereat held by reason of said pin |53, to be dropped to aposition such as that illustrated in dotted outline which had previouslybeen occupied by the spool recently advanced to the winding position. Afinal preperation is made after which the apparatus is in readiness toreceive the succeeding message fo-r coiiing and loading. Thispreparation consists in the perfomance by cam I I9 acting upon mandrelretraction lever I2| in the reverse manner to that described above.Accordingly, mandrel 31 is restored to its position whereat it extendswithin the newly positioned spool after the manner indicated by itscurve H9, Fig. 9.

Timing shaft 56 is again brought to rest when the projection 53 of itsclutch 54 comes into en- V:agement with the blocking end of armatureThereupon, the mechanism is in readiness to re- :eive a new start(end-of-message) signal from ;he tape preparing unit 4|. It will berecalled hat after a message has been perforated ind a message endsignal transmitted to Yhe magnet I9 as afore-described, that the tapeceding sprocket 42 of the unit 4| is relieved by he withdrawal of itsdetent arm 11 and pawl E00 and that thereafter, the tape 39 is fedrapdly in a leftward direction before being arrested .fithin cuttingrange of the mandrel 31. In `rder to make this manner of operationpractial, it is necessary either to have the tape preerforated, that is,provided with the central row f feed holes, see Fig. 16. before enteringthe code reparing machine 4|, or to provide an auxiliary evice forrapidly making said feed holes in the roximity of said unit 4|.

The apparatus now to be described is an auxiary mechanism especiallyadapted to provide perforated tape. such as that shown in Fig. 16, rithits` central row of feed perforation.; under onditions which will permitof the rapid feedig of the tape in response to an end of message .gnal.This apparatus is illustrated detailedly 1 Fig. l5 where the referencecharacter |55 deotes a punch block unit wherein the punch cleient |56 isgraphically portrayed and is operted by a striking lever |51 whichserves also irough its articulation at |58 as an actuator for ed pawl|59. Motion is imparted to the strikig lever |51 which is pivoted at IBIby means 0f three-armed lever |62. i3 which terminates one arm of lever|62 and spring urged in a clockwise direction about the vot |64 ridesthe periphery of a continuously tating cam |65.

The shaft |66 which carries the multiple lobed g m |65 may be atributary of the principal drivg train described above or it may be anindendent source of rotary power driven preferably some phaserelationship with the coil winding ait 66 but desirably somewhat faster.When ie of the lobes of cam |55 encounters the folrer projection |63, itrocks the three-armed rer |62 in a counterclockwise direction against einfluence of its restoration spring |51, causing e oi the arms IEB tostrike against lever |51 tating the latter member in a clockwise direcnabout its pivot lil and pushing pawl |59 ward at the same time thatpunch |56 is opered. Another arm |69 oi' said lever |62 describes arcwhich may be blocked against return by a end IIi of a, tape slack feelerlever |12 'oted at |13. When enough of the tape 39 has gatheredin e loop|16 to permit the loop sensing arm |12 assume a position, as indicatedin Fig. 15, that 1 an extreme counterclockwise position about its ot|13. it will then interpose its blocking end in the path of arm |69 oflever |62 and preit said lever from responding to the urge of returnspring |61. On the other hand, when A follower projection Gil the amountof tape in said loop |15 becomes diminished, then the roller at the endof arm |12 will be engaged by said tape, the lever |12 rotatingclockwise about lts pivot |15, and the blocking projection I1I will bewithdrawn from the extremity of lever arm |69, permitting lever |82 thefull freedom of its movement in a clockwise direction about its pivotIGI. In accordance with the particular contemplation of structure, asillustrated in Fig. l5, tape 3! is advanced leftwardly to conform withthe showing of apparatus in Figs. 1, 2, and 3. The perforations forfeeding the tape when thus installed by a punch block may conform withthe feed hole apertures as illustrated in Fig. 16, where the partiallysevered tabs remain attached to the body of the tape or they may, inaccordance with a well-known practice, be completely severed.

The complete apparatus lends itself to the preparation of messages andthe coiling of the tape containing messages within containers, asindicated in the foregoing description. After the coiling and packagingof the message bearing strips of tape or control form has beencompleted, the address or destination is determined and the contalnersplaced in the proper chute at one of the stations I8, Fig. 4. Theapparatus illustrated in Figs. 4 to 8 functions to automatically sortand route each container or spool to a transmitter apparatus representedby one oi the several discharge chutes 23.

The operation of the message packaging spool will now be detailedlydescribed. The distribution system illustrated in the drawingscontemplates specically ten destination or transmitting stations eachhaving a chute 23 into which spool containers are discharged to thetransmitting mechanism. Accordingly, each one of th receiving stationsI8 is provided with ten receptacle chutes I9, one corresponding to eachof the destination or discharge chutes 25. While the chutes I9 aredesignated in a certain order, this need not correspond to the order inwhich the chutes 23 are arranged as will now be explained.

Firstly, lt will be recalled that a distribution apparatus comprising abrush carrier I1 and a segmented distributor |16 are provided whichrotate in synchronism with the travel of the distribution belt I5;Moreover, since there are contemplated ten destination stationsrepresented by the chutes 23 there are also provided a number oi'compartments in the belt I5 which is a multiple of ten in order that thesequence of compartments may have a correspondence to that of the chutes|9. Also, the segmented ring of distributor |16 is divided into ten liveor conducting segments in similar correspondence to the ten destinationsof distribution.

The lower ends of the several chutes I9 are curbed as best indicated inFigs. 4 and 5, in the direction in which the tape or belt I5 travels forthe purpose of imparting to the spools or containers a motion in thedirection of the belt I5. Let it be assumed that when the belt l5 is inthe r position indicated distributor brush I1 is wiping over the livecontact segment corresponding to destination No. I. An impulse forreleasing any first spool or container from chute I9 corresponding todestination I will then be had, causing the spool to be precipitated toarrive on a horizontal level with the belt at the same time thatcompartment No. I of said belt arrives, ln its horizontal travel,beneath the particular chute I9. The discharge hoppers 23 will, in allprobability, have a different arrangement from the sequence in which thechutes I8 are arranged in each one of the stations I8. Accordingly, aseach conveyor compartment passes over its particular discharge chute 23,mechanism is provided for opening certain release devices for permittingthe contained cargo which may include one or more of these spools orcontainers to empty into the proper one of the discharge chutes 23.

The apparatus for releasing the containers into the compartments fromtheir respective chutes l! and that for releasing the containers fromthe compartments into the discharge chute 28 is under the supervision ofrelease magnets |11 and |18. Of these, the magnets |11 each areassociated with an individual amature |88 pivoted at |18. and urged by aspring IBI in a clockwise direction so as to cause to be projected thelowerrmost pair of stop pins |82 into the channel of the particularchute I9 and thereby to arrest the descent of the iowermost one of aseries of spools. Upon the energization of any one of the magnets |11,the position of its associated armature |88 is reversed. namely, withthe lowermost projecting pins |82 retracted and with a similar pair ofprojections located at the upper extremity of the amature and designated|83, momentarily introduced into the path of a second oncoming spool tohalt the descent oi' succeeding spools as the bottom` one is releasedfor discharge into one of the compartments of the conveyor belt i5.

The period of energization of magnet |11 is but momentary and followingthis amature |88 is released to resume its normal position as indicatedin Fig. 6. Each chute I8 is provided with one such arrangement includinga magnet |11 and an armature |88 and on account of the progressivelyadvanced positions of the successive chutes |8, as indicated in Figs. 4and 5, the location of said release mechanism |11 and |88 iscorrespondingly higher as the chutes succeed each other rightwardly.

The conveyor belt i8 consists ci an endless flat section designated |84having secured thereto a plurality of perpendicular partitioningelements 2|. At various points around the periphery of the conveyor,openings are provided in a channel having a. U-shaped cross sectionwhich completely surrounds the path oi' the belt forming a complementaryenclosure in cooperation with the belt |84. These openings are located,for example, in association with the container deposit stations I8 aswell as in the proximity of each one of the discharge hoppers 28. InFig. 8, one such opening is designated |88 and directly beneath is theflared intake section |88 of a hopper 28 whose opposite end dischargesonto the proximity of a distributor apparatus.

On each side o! the protective enclosure of the belt |84 is mounted anarmature |81 plvoted at |88. The pivot shaft |88 is suitably supportedby means of ears (not shown) integrally formed with the protectiveenclosure |89 and the armatures |81 are located opposite the opening |85so that when magnet |18 is energized as indicated in dotted outline,Fig. '7, the armatures will be attracted at their upper ends against theinuence oi springs |81 and will withdraw the overhanging lips |82 whichordinarily coincide with the peripherai wall of enclosure housing |89.When the support of the over-hanging lips |82 is Withdrawn from beneatha particular one or ones of the containers, then in passing over theopening |85 such containers are permitted to fall into the ilaredsection |86 of the corresponding hopper 28 following which they aredelivered to the destination transmitting apparatus,

It is to be noted that each one of the armatures |81 has integrallyformed therewith a. eamming pin |93 which is withdrawn from thecompartment chamber during the de-energized condition i' its respectivearmature but which upon the energization of its armature is movedinwardly so as to engage the side discs of the spools or containerspositively and fcam them downwardly through the opening |88 and into thethroat |88 below.

In the foregoing description there has been explained and described atape coiling and message storingapparatus for cooperating with aplurality of tape periorating machines which i may be associated with acentral oiiice distribution system. This mechanism places each messageoriginating from a particular one of a plurality of receiving tapeperiorator machines into an individual container. Following this, thecontainers are deposited in appropriate chutes of a distribution devicelocated predeterminedly with respect to a routing and distribution beltor conveyor from which they may be automatically released to destinationchutes.

While the present invention has been explained and described withreference to a particular embodiment, it is to be understood,nevertheless, that numerous changes and modifications may beincorporated without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.Accordingly, it is not intended to be restricted in any manner by thespecific language in the foregoing description nor by the details in theaccompanying drawings except as indicated in the hereunto annexedclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a tape preparing arid coiling apparatus, means for advancing atape during preparation, means including a. tape puller for advancingsaid tape during an intermediate operation. and a rotary arbor forcoiling said tape including an intereontrol apparatus for suspending theeffectiveness of said tape feed means and said tape puller means duringthe effective period of said arbor.

2. In combination with a tape coiling and packaging machine, anapparatus for preparing a tape with control indicia, feeding means foradvancing said tape as each indicia signal is made, means for advancingsaid tape during a continuous interval in response to an end of messagesignal in said preparing apparatus, a winding arbor, and means forshifting said winding arbor into position to engage an end of said tapecomprising means effective following the response of said continuoustape advancing means for winding said tape into an involute coil withinsaid packaging machine. A 3. In combination, a tape preparing andcoiling apparatus, a mechanism responsive to permutation code telegraphsignals for making corresponding code perforations in a tape, a tapefeed device for advancing a tape after each code perforation operationof said mechanism, a mechanism for advancing said tape in a continuousmovement independentlyv of said perfor-ating mechanism, and meansresponsive to an end-of message signal telegraphically received by saidtape preparing apparatus for disengaging from operation said first namedfeed device and for initiating into operation said continuous motionfeed mechanism.

4. In a telegraphically controlled apparatus. means for making characterregistrations in response to permutation code signals upon a surface ofa continuous web, and means responsive to a special signal denoting theend of a message for continuously feeding out an invariable length oftape, making a special end-of-signal index on said tape. and for cuttingoil said tape from its supply stock.

5. In a telegraphically controlled apparatus, means for making codesignal character indications on a control fonm. means for advancing saidform coincident with each character marking made thereonl and apparatusresponsive to a special supervisory signal for feeding out by continuousmotion a predetermined length of blank form, making a special indexdesignation on said form indicative of the end of a message, and Yforcutting oil said form from its supply stock.

6. In a tape preparing machine, the combination of mechanism responsiveto telegraph signais for making markings in a tape, means responsive toan endof-message signal telegraphically received by said mechanism forcontinuously feeding out an invariable predetermined length of tapefollowing the end of a message, and apparatus also initiated by saidend-of-message signal for cutting off said tape from its supply stock.

7. In a telegraphically controlled apparatus, mechanism for preparingand handling a control form, including means for making supervisoryindicia upon a strip of material in response to telegraph signals, meansfor advancing said form along a horizontal support as each signal ismade, a winding mandrel disposed in the path of said form having alongitudinal slot and flared ingress associated with said slot forreceiving and firer'ting through said slot said form during its feedingfrom said preparing machine, apparatus for pulling said form in acontinuous movement in response to a special signal, and means forrotating said mandrel to Wind said form with its end-of-message terminalinnermost into a, convolute coil comprising a rotary power mechanisminitiated in response to said end-of-message signal.

8. In a strip winding machine, a winding arbor having centermost thereofa transverse orice bifurcating said arbor to pass material therethrough,means responsive to a code signal for initiating the rotation of saidarbor, an end of tane arm means responsive to the operation of said endof tape arm for arresting the rotation of said arbor after material hasbeen wound, and automatically supervised mechanism for withdrawing saidarbor and for thereafter repositioning said arbor to align said orificewith a. subseouent material.

9. In a machine for winding strips of material carrying message matter,a strip material preparing apparatus including a feed mechanism foradvancing said material horizontally in the order of the appearance ofsaid message matter, a windinf: mandrel having a central orificetraversed by said material, and means responsive to an endof-messageindicating signal under the control of said strip material preparingapparatus for initiating the winding of said mandrel beginning v"ith theportion of said strip material bearing the end of a message innermostand with the strip material bearing the beginning of a message rniermostin a winding convolution.

10. A machine for winding material carrying message matter into involutecoils comprising ap,

oaratus for making control indicia on said ma- :erial including amechanism for advancing said corresponding permutation code Ait)material horizontally as each index is made thereon by said appargtus,a. winding mandrel for coiling said materiali'and means responsive to asignal under the control of said strip material preparing apparatusindicating an end of message for initiating the winding of said mandrelbeginning with the message concluding end of said strip material andending with the message beginning end of said strip material.

11. In a strip winding machine, a bifurcated winding arbor withlongitudinal slot to admit the passage of a control strip therethrough,means responsive to a code signal for initiating the rotation of saidarbor, means responsive to completion of winding for arresting therotation of said arbor, and automatically supervised mechanism forwithdrawing said arbor and for thereafter repositioning said arbor toalign said opening with a subsequently advanced strip.

12. An automatic coil winding mechanism comprising in combination, arotatable shaft having a bifurcated end, means for feeding a tapetransversely of said shaft, means for initiating rotation of said shaftwhen said tape has been fed to a position whereat its concluding end iswithin the bifurcated end of said shaft, means for arresting said shaftinstantly that a tape coiling operation has been completed, and meansfor thereafter restarting and again arresting said shaft automaticallyso as to present its bifurcated end in a predetermined angular position.

13. In combination with a tape coiling and packaging machine, anapparatus for marking a tape, feeding means for advancing said tape aseach marking is applied, feeding means for advancing said tape during acontinuous interval in response to an end-of-message signal received insaid marking apparatus, a winding arbor, means for shifting said Windingarbor into position to engage an end of said tape eiective following theresponse of said continuous tape advancing means for winding said tapeinto an involute coil within said packaging device.

14. In combination, a mechanism responsive to permutation code telegraphsignals for making corresponding code perforations in a tape, a feeddevice for advancing said tape after each code perforation is made, a.mechanism for pulling said tape in a continuous movement, and meansresponsive to a special telegraphlcally received signal for suspendingfrom operation said feed device and for initiating into operation saidmechanism.

15. In a tape preparing machine. the combination of mechanism responsiveto telegraph signals for making corresponding permutation code markingsin a tape, means responsive to an endof -message signal telegraphicallyreceived by said mechanism for continuously feeding out an invariablepredetermined length of blank tape, and means also responsive to saidend-of-message signal for making a special perforation in said tape.

16. In a telegraphically controlled apparatus, means for makingcharacter control marks in accordance with permutation code signals upona continuous web, and means responsive to a special signal forcontinuously feeding out an invariable length of tape and for cuttingoil' said tape from its supply stock.

17. In a telegraphically controlled apparatus, in combination, means formaking supervisory indicia upon a form in response to telegraph signais,means for advancing said form as each supervisory indicia is made, amandrel positioned in the path of the form having a slot therein sodisposed in the unoperative condition of said mandrel that the form maypass therethrough during preparation, a second form advancing meansunder the control of the form preparing apparatus for continuouslyfeeding the form to a predetermined position with respect to saidmandrel. and means for rotating said mandrel to wind the i'orm messageend innermost into a convolute coil.

i8. In combination, a form preparing apparatus, a form-packagingmechanism, a plurality of containers into which message bearing formsare to be coiled by said mechanism. and means under signal control otsaid apparatus for initiating into operation said mechanism after saidform is prepared.

19. In an apparatus for winding strips of material carrying messagematter, a strip material preparing apparatus including a step-by-stepfeed mechanism for advancing said material horizontally in the order ofappearance of said message matter, means to,impart a continuous feed tosaid strip, a winding mandrel having a central orifice traversed by saidmaterial, said step-bystep feed mechanism and continuous feeding meanscausing said strip to overrun and accumulate beyond said mandrel, andmeans responsive to an end-of-message indicating signal under thecontrol oi said strip material preparing apparatus ior initiating thewinding of said mandrel beginning with the portion of said stripmaterial bearing the end of the message innermost and with the stripmaterial bearing the beginning of a message outermost in a windingconvolution.

20. In an apparatus for winding strips of material carrying messagematter, a strip material preparing apparatus including a step-by-stepfeed mechanism for advancing said material horizontally in the order ofappearance of said message matter, means to impart a continuous feed tosaid strip, a winding mandrel having a central orifice traversed by saidmaterial, `said step-by-step feed mechanism and continuous feeding meanscausing said strip to overrun and accumulate beyond said mandrel, meansincluding said continuous feed means to cause said strip to be arrestedwith its terminating end aligned with one side of said mandrel, saidstrip extending through said orifice and past the opposite side of saidmandrel, and means responsive to an end of message indicating signalunder the control o said strip material preparing apparatus forinitiating the winding of said mandrel beginning with the portion ofsaid strip material bearing the end oi the message innermost and withthe strip material bearing the beginning of a message outermost in awinding convolution.

LOUIS M. POTIS.

CERTIFICA'IE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 2,531h19il.

LOUIS H.

september il, 19ir5.

POTTS It is hereby certified that error appears in the printedspecification of the above numbered patent requiring correction asfolli-ms: Page 5, second column,

11m idr, for "inpassing" read imparting-q page a, first eciumn, lines 50and 51, claim 8, for "an end of tape am" read --en erm reeponsive topassage of the end of the strip,; line 452, strike out "end of tapan;and second column, line 15, claim 11, before "code" insert--permutation-3 and that the said Letters Patent should be read withthis correction therein that the same may conform to the record of thecase in the Patent Office signed and sealed dus 29e: day er January, A.o. 191m.

(Seal) Leslie Frazer First Assistant Camissioner of Patente.

the path of the form having a slot therein so disposed in theunoperative condition of said mandrel that the form may passtherethrough during preparation, a second form advancing means under thecontrol of the form preparing apparatus for continuously feeding theform to a predetermined position with respect to said mandrel. and meansfor rotating said mandrel to wind the i'orm message end innermost into aconvolute coil.

i8. In combination, a form preparing apparatus, a form-packagingmechanism, a plurality of containers into which message bearing formsare to be coiled by said mechanism. and means under signal control otsaid apparatus for initiating into operation said mechanism after saidform is prepared.

19. In an apparatus for winding strips of material carrying messagematter, a strip material preparing apparatus including a step-by-stepfeed mechanism for advancing said material horizontally in the order ofappearance of said message matter, means to,impart a continuous feed tosaid strip, a winding mandrel having a central orifice traversed by saidmaterial, said step-bystep feed mechanism and continuous feeding meanscausing said strip to overrun and accumulate beyond said mandrel, andmeans responsive to an end-of-message indicating signal under thecontrol oi said strip material preparing apparatus ior initiating thewinding of said mandrel beginning with the portion of said stripmaterial bearing the end of the message innermost and with the stripmaterial bearing the beginning of a message outermost in a windingconvolution.

20. In an apparatus for winding strips of material carrying messagematter, a strip material preparing apparatus including a step-by-stepfeed mechanism for advancing said material horizontally in the order ofappearance of said message matter, means to impart a continuous feed tosaid strip, a winding mandrel having a central orifice traversed by saidmaterial, `said step-by-step feed mechanism and continuous feeding meanscausing said strip to overrun and accumulate beyond said mandrel, meansincluding said continuous feed means to cause said strip to be arrestedwith its terminating end aligned with one side of said mandrel, saidstrip extending through said orifice and past the opposite side of saidmandrel, and means responsive to an end of message indicating signalunder the control o said strip material preparing apparatus forinitiating the winding of said mandrel beginning with the portion ofsaid strip material bearing the end oi the message innermost and withthe strip material bearing the beginning of a message outermost in awinding convolution.

LOUIS M. POTIS.

CERTIFICA'IE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 2,531h19il.

LOUIS H.

september il, 19ir5.

POTTS It is hereby certified that error appears in the printedspecification of the above numbered patent requiring correction asfolli-ms: Page 5, second column,

11m idr, for "inpassing" read imparting-q page a, first eciumn, lines 50and 51, claim 8, for "an end of tape am" read --en erm reeponsive topassage of the end of the strip,; line 452, strike out "end of tapan;and second column, line 15, claim 11, before "code" insert--permutation-3 and that the said Letters Patent should be read withthis correction therein that the same may conform to the record of thecase in the Patent Office signed and sealed dus 29e: day er January, A.o. 191m.

(Seal) Leslie Frazer First Assistant Camissioner of Patente.

